Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim showed support to Shakib on social media.
Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has received massive support from fellow Bangladeshi teammates amidst being accused in murder linked to recent political unrest that resulted in the ousting of former premier Sheikh Hasina.
The complaint comes from Rafiqul Islam, whose son was purportedly slain during the turmoil. Despite the charges, Shakib recently played a key part in Bangladesh's historic 10-wicket win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Shakib, 37, is a well-known cricketer as well as a former politician for Hasina's Awami League.
The murder case against him arose amid weeks of student-led protests, prompting Hasina to leave to India on August 5, ending her 15-year term. Her administration was marred by allegations of human rights violations, such as widespread detentions and extrajudicial executions of political opponents.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the win, which was Bangladesh's first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, to those who lost their lives in the protests.
"He's been raising the name of Bangladesh in the world for 17 long years. Such a case against Shakib bhai is unexpected. In the new Bangladesh, we all want to see something new. I hope all the darkness will pass off and new light will come,” Shanto posted on Facebook.
Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who was the Player of the Match in Bangladesh’s historic win, shared similar sentiments, showing solidarity with Shakib on social media.
"As a teammate and a brother, I will be there during his tough times, and I do not support the false allegations made against him because I know he would never engage in inhumane actions," Rahim stated.
Shakib has yet to publicly address the murder allegation. The second and final Test of the series will also be played in Rawalpindi, starting Friday.